Lion sightings were consistent throughout the month. Initially, two males and two females were spotted in Passarge Valley, feeding on a gemsbok carcass. Later in the month, the same males were seen again, this time accompanied by three females, slowly moving along the roadside with full bellies. The Tau Pan pride, which consists of five females and the dominant male, was also located in the same area, feasting on another gemsbok carcass. While the male fed alone at first, the females eventually moved toward camp in search of water. Observations indicated that although the females had eaten, they appeared to have consumed less than the male.
A large, shy male leopard was observed in Passarge Valley with a gemsbok calf kill. Another leopard was later located along Litahau Letiahau Road, feeding on a similarly-sized carcass.
One male cheetah was tracked and found at Tau Pan, attempting to stalk springbok. Unfortunately, the hunt was unsuccessful, as the prey spotted the cheetah early and fled.
A spotted hyena was seen moving along the road towards the waterhole before disappearing into the nearby bush. Although no den sites were found this month, vocalizations were occasionally heard during the night.
March brought warm days with cooler mornings and evenings. The landscape remained lush following earlier rains. Grass cover was dense and green, with natural pans still holding water. The dunes and valleys supported a wide variety of flowering plants, including wild stock rose, morning glory, balsam pear, spider wispy plant, and Tsamma melon. There were excellent grazing conditions for general game across the reserve.
Gemsbok and springbok were widely distributed throughout the Passarge Valley, while red hartebeest were observed less frequently but were still present. Yellow and slender mongooses were recorded during daytime hours actively hunting reptiles and small prey.
Reptile and insect activity remained high. Notable sightings included two records of anchieta’s cobra, as well as leopard tortoises, ground beetles, millipedes, and centipedes. Several butterfly species were recorded, including orange tip, blue pansy, zebra white, and African migrant. Dung beetles and various jewel beetles were also seen in abundance.
Raptor activity increased with the season. Species observed included tawny eagles, lappet-faced vultures, secretary birds, marabou and Abdim’s storks. Noteworthy observations included a pale chanting goshawk feeding on a ground squirrel. Comb ducks were recorded for only the second time in the area. Smaller birds such as larks, cisticolas, and warblers were also common. Secretary birds were seen constructing nests.
Guided walks were conducted with San trackers, offering guests insight into traditional survival skills and cultural practices unique to the Central Kalahari. These experiences provided valuable context for the broader ecology of the region.
Star visibility was excellent during clear evenings. Prominent constellations included Orion’s Belt, the Southern Cross, Taurus, Auriga, Leo, Musca, Corvus, and the Pleiades (Seven Sisters). Planetary sightings included Jupiter, Mars, and Venus, particularly in the early hours.
